Russell Blend Lupine is a stunning cultivar of Lupinus polyphyllus that brings towering spires of color to the garden, reaching 36 to 48 inches tall. These frost-hardy perennials thrive in zones 4 through 7, delivering reliable blooms year after year with minimal fuss. The Russell Blend name reflects a carefully selected range of flower colors within this variety, offering gardeners a rich palette to work with. Starting from seed is straightforward, whether you sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost or direct sow outside 1 to 2 weeks after frost danger passes. In milder climates, you can even sow seeds in late summer for flowers the following spring.
Full Sun
Moderate
4-7
48in H x ?in W
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Low
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Russell Blend Lupine earns its reputation through tall, dramatic flower spikes that command attention in any garden bed. These perennials are genuinely frost-hardy and perform reliably across a wide hardiness range, making them accessible to gardeners in most temperate regions. The variety's sensitive root system means careful handling during transplanting pays dividends in establishment and long-term vigor. Sown in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly into the ground, seedlings avoid the root disturbance that can set back these plants. With moderate water needs and a preference for full sun in slightly acidic to neutral soil, Russell Blend Lupine settles into gardens that offer good drainage and bright conditions.
Russell Blend Lupine is grown primarily as an ornamental perennial for garden displays and cut flower arrangements. The tall, densely packed flower spikes create strong vertical interest in borders and cottage gardens, working especially well as a backdrop or focal point in planting schemes.
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Start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow seeds in biodegradable pots since lupine roots are extremely sensitive to disturbance; these pots can be planted directly into the ground, eliminating transplant shock. Keep soil consistently moist and maintain temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for reliable germination.
Transplant seedlings outside after your average last frost date has passed. Because roots are sensitive to disturbance, handle plants carefully and plant the entire biodegradable pot directly into prepared garden soil. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in full sun with moderately moist, well-draining soil.
You can sow seeds directly outside 1 to 2 weeks after your average last frost date. In mild climates, seeds can also be sown in late summer for blooms the following spring. Sow at a depth of 1/8 inch and keep soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge.
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